At sea, Southern Ocean
After boarding the National Geographic Explorer yesterday afternoon, we set sail from Ushuaia down the Beagle Channel to begin this epic voyage. Sailing along in the sheltered waters, we had an introduction to the ship and enjoyed some spectacular scenery. A gorgeous sunset behind us marked our exit out into the southern ocean, in which we sailed all day today.
Seabirds were our companions as we enjoyed calm seas and sunny skies on our passage to the Falkland Islands. Albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters surrounded us for the day as we became acquainted to life on board, and had an introduction to the wildlife of the area. Cape Petrels and giant-petrels followed the ship continuously while many other species passed by. Black-browed Albatrosses were abundant and led us to their nesting sites in the Falklands.
During the Captain’s welcome party, the islands of the Falklands came into view. Albatross were massing on the water before returning to their nests on the impressive cliffs. A few fur seals passed by as well as some Peale’s Dolphins, which approached the ship, welcoming us to the Falklands. After dinner we dropped anchor off of New Island, with great expectations for tomorrow’s landing, our first of many with spectacular wildlife on this voyage.
